Cutting-edge carbon blades

Operating a ‘one team approach’ with Atlantis

The project

A prime example of ACM&C’s determination to succeed was our recent victory against stiff competition in a tender process to work with Atlantis Resources.

Atlantis is a pioneer in the tidal power industry, and was looking for a partner that could deliver high quality materials, in quantity, to meet a precise specification for carbon blades to be used on the flagship AR1500 tidal turbine.

Consistency, accountability and transparency were key considerations. The quality and innovation of our resin infusion knowledge and techniques proved key to gaining the commission.

“We were thrilled to be selected by Atlantis on the basis of our manufacturing know-how and the quality of our demonstrator pieces.”

ACM&C Director Alex Newton

The AR1500 1.5MW turbine is designed for deployment at the MeyGen site in Pentland Firth and will generate up to an impressive 398MW of power by 2020.

Alex and the team began by assisting Atlantis with manufacturing expertise during the design phase, while investing wisely in purpose-built equipment for ACM&C’s new 22,000 sq ft workshop on the south coast.

Alex: “This project has been significant for us, and has provided a platform for the future of ACM&C by enabling us to purchase purpose-built machinery and further strengthen our supplier relationships. Our workspace now contains industry-leading composite machinery for the rapid manufacture of resin infused and pre-preg composite components. We look forward to continuing to support Atlantis with what promises to be an groundbreaking project.”

“ACM&C was chosen not only for its technical know-how but its willingness to work with us throughout the design and development phases, contributing many ideas and suggestions along the way.”

Atlantis’s Blade Development Manager, Robert Bray

Atlantis’s Blade Development Manager, Robert Bray: “During manufacture ACM&C has been very supportive of our needs, even to the extent of providing an on-site office for Atlantis staff to facilitate an integrated ‘one team approach’. This has contributed greatly to building blades which meet our demanding specifications.”